Kanawha woman sues State Police, trooper for sexual assault

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County woman is suing the West Virginia State Police and a state trooper after she claims she was sexually assaulted.

On Feb. 9 Jane Doe was approached by State Trooper Patrick James Mooney, who was allegedly investigating a meth lab at the house of a friend where she was staying, according to a complaint filed June 4 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Doe claims she gave Mooney the key to the residence and he searched it, finding no indication of a meth lab, but despite this, still directed her into a squad car to transport her to South Charleston for questioning.

Mooney subjected Doe to derogatory and insulting comments, exposed his genitalia to her, directed her into the front seat of his squad car and attempted to have her "give him a hand job," according to the suit.

Mooney "pulled off at Avesta Drive, went down the road to an unoccupied area, got out of the cruiser, ordered plaintiff out of the cruiser, ordered plaintiff to remove her underwear and sexually assaulted the plaintiff," according to the suit.

Doe claims the defendants violated her rights and caused her to sustain physical and mental pain and suffering; mental and emotional pain and suffering; and embarrassment, humiliation and loss of self esteem.

Mooney's actions were "reprehensible, willful and wanton, malicious and in blatant and intentional disregard" of Doe's rights, according to the suit.

Doe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Michael T. Clifford and Gregory Elliott.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1007